Do We Get a Better Version of Elly De La Cruz?
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 01: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts to striking out in the sixth inning during Game Two of the National League Wild Card Series between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
There’s no doubt that Elly De La Cruz has the talent to be a true superstar, but we still need to see him approach his ceiling. This season feels like a big one for the 24-year-old shortstop. Injury played a role in his struggles last year, but his .666 OPS in the second half, combined with his frustrating errors at short and trouble against lefties, left a bad taste in fans’ mouths.
Let’s start with defense. Errors are always going to be part of Elly’s profile, and we need to accept that. His range allows him to get to balls others don’t, which leads to rushed and off-balanced throws. I think we can accept that. What needs to improve is the number of errors caused by a lack of focus. We all have much less patience there.
Offensively, the power dipped in a major way down the stretch. His playing through injury, and if that was the best decision, is a different discussion for a different day, but I expect more in what will be his fourth season.
It might not feel like it, but De La Cruz improved this past year. He cut his strikeout rate down to an acceptable 26% while still making quality contact. A major part of his value is on the basepaths, and the Reds did not run him nearly enough in 2025. I hope they give him the green light more. The expectations should still be high for Cincinnati’s star.
Who Claims the Fifth Rotation Spot?
Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and Andrew Abbott all return from a stellar rotation last season. I don’t think we have too many questions or concerns with that group, but how the Reds round it out will be fascinating.
Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder come with the prospect pedigree and highest upside. To me, Burns should be the favorite, as his upside could change the trajectory of the Reds’ season. Both are set to be on an innings restriction, and Lowder has dealt with injuries, pitching only 9.1 innings last season. I think they will be cautious with him to begin the year.
Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar are working back from injury, while Chase Petty is also in the mix. Of this group, I like Williamson the most. Adding another lefty to the rotation would be welcomed, and Williamson has shown flashes in the past.
I’d rank them starting with Burns, followed by Williamson then Lowder. There’s simply too much unknown about Lowder right now, and he will need a big spring to show he’s healthy and effective for Opening Day.